The problem with my less-than-stellar job is that I receive less-than-stellar pay, which makes for slim pickings as far as new musical purchases go. I haven't been to a proper rock and roll show in the past…shit, since Radiohead. Did I happen to mention that that concert kicked some serious hind? Anyway, the new economy of Justy has left me grasping for straws in order to write this month's column. I did buy one CD in the past month, Kick Out The Jams by the MC5. It's OK, but not as ass-kicking as I had hoped. So I guess I will go back into the portfolio and share some discs that have specific utilitarian purposes in my life.

Essential studying/paper writing music
Wowee Zowee by Pavement
Japanese Folk Melodies performed by Jean-Pierre Rampal.
I can't say that I remember why "Wowee Zowee" became essential for my school routine, but I do recall that I wrote all my papers whilst listening to this disc during my semester at a certain Midwestern university. This tradition continues to this very day. I think I figured the lyrical genius of S. Malkmus inspired me, but that's just crap. Now I just refuse to start writing a paper without it. It contains some of the freshest music Pavement ever recorded, including my personal favorites "Grounded," "AT + T," and "Half a Canyon." Recorded in a beautiful period of genius between "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" and "Brighten the Corners." Just pure love.

The Rampal disc is the closest CD I own to classical music. This guy is considered some sort of iconic flutist, and he's French too. Just incredibly soothing, and it keeps me focused on reading. I can't comment on the specific tracks, just understand the serenity. Could make calm on a Viking ship in the rowdy North Atlantic.

Essential getting it on music
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite by Maxwell.
If you have to ask, you'll never know. Just buy it, pop it in. It's that simple. The people I know all agree that there is nothing sexier than some dude singing about getting it on with the woman he wants to marry. Or at least the woman he says he wants to marry. Either way, just buy it. It's 11 tracks of the sexiest songs ever.

Essential music I will never listen to again, thanks to some girl somewhere
Pinkerton by Weezer
Abbey Road by the Beatles
Amnesiac by Radiohead
Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys
Ok, I lied, cause I still listen to Amnesiac. But these four albums carry some particular emotional baggage because of stupid things that occurred with certain stupid girls. They may not know who they are, but thanks a fucking lot for ruining these albums forever. I'm still waiting on apologies from all of you.

Essential "NCAA Gamebreaker 2001" music
Music For Your Mother by Funkadelic.
I am undefeated and unscored upon when playing this Playstation game and listening to this album of classic Funkadelic singles.

I really hate making lists, but this is what I'm forced to do in this uncertain personal economy. Next month I suppose I will have to do some sort of end of the year top ten list bullshit, even though I'm not sure I've purchased ten albums this year that were actually released this year. You all will have to bear the brunt of my personal financial misfortunes. Then again, you can all help me make a great top ten list. Contributions are encouraged, just email justy@evilrobots.com and I will tell you where to send the money. Then I can go buy a whole shitload of CDs from the year 2001 and have a good end of year list. Or at least if I get $12 I can buy the new Fugazi disc.

One last thing - jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has a kick-ass version of Paranoid Android on this CD at your local Starbucks. You gotta hear it, just one man and his piano doing one cracked up little song. Nine minutes or so. Buy it, burn it, or just hear it, I recommend it highly.